Bravo maestro film

Synopsis:In 1960, Vitomir Bezjak graduated from the Music Academy in Zagreb as an honor student. Now, he is looking for a job, lives like a bohemian and works on his musical pieces. In spite of the fact that he is the recipient of much prais, no one wants to hire him. Moreover, his girlfriend leaves him and, disappointed, he accepts a job as a piano teacher. He soon falls in love with a rich widow, whose son he teaches. The boy’s grandfather throws a big wedding party for the new couple, introducing Vitomir to many influential people. The young man’s life changes radically: he becomes famous, attending political meetings and big receptions. Everyone expects a masterpiece from him, but he is no longer the talented young composer he used to be. Finally, after he finishes his magnum opus, one of the orchestra members accuses him of plagiarism…

Country of production:Socialist Federative Republic of Yugoslavia (Socialist Republic of Croatia)

Screenplay:Rajko Grlić, Srđan Karanović

Music by:Branislav Brane Živković

Edited by:Živka Toplak

Set designer:Dinka Jeričević, Dražen Juračić

Costume designer:Rikard Gumzej

Commentary:This is a routine product of the socially critical Croatian cinema popular in the 1970s. Even though Bravo Maestro is a lifeless work, completely devoid of dramaturgical and directorial inspiration, it is a solid film. At the Pula Film Festival, it won the Big Silver Arena and the Golden Arena for Best Male actor.

Other awards: Pula 1978 - Golden Arena for Best Cinematography, (together with the film Miris poljskog cvijeća) Jury’s Diploma for Best Make-up, (together with the films Pas koji je voleo vozove and Aller retour) Mladost Magazine’s award for Best Director Kodak and Foto awards for Best cinematographer (Živko Zalar, together with the films Ljubica and Miris poljskog cvijeća) Cannes 1978 - official program Vrnjacka Banja 1978 - second award for Best Screenplay (together with the film Miris poljskog cvijeća) Nis 1978 - Diploma to Mladen Budišćak